As a Navy spouse for nearly 23 years, I’ve endured 15 relocations and a fair share of employment challenges—struggles shared by so many in our community. According to the 2024 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, military spouse unemployment stands at 23%, and the reality feels even harsher overseas, where Status of Forces Agreements (SOFA) and NATO SOFA restrictions often block both traditional jobs and entrepreneurial ventures. When we were stationed in Belgium, leaving one limited opportunity made finding the next feel nearly impossible. Through years of trial, error, and plenty of frustration, I turned those experiences into resilience and inadvertently built a portable business of my own—the kind of empowering path I wish I’d had earlier. That’s precisely why I created Homefront Hustle: a 13-week program designed to guide military spouses step-by-step as they launch, grow, or regain control of their entrepreneurial dreams. Right now, amid holiday chaos and with my husband’s retirement just five months away in June 2026, I’m walking alongside three remarkable spouses in my 13-week Homefront Hustle mentorship program who are already showing, week by week, that meaningful progress is absolutely possible—even when the path is messy and unfinished.

My first mentee is eight weeks into the program. KathrynSunflower Design Studio, a passionate and driven graphic designer dedicated to helping businesses grow – where I bring a nurturing and friendly spirit to every project! Together, we’ve set personal and professional goals, strengthened business compliance, expanded her resource library, introduced new tools, and refined her overall customer experience. (Quietly, I’ve been analyzing her process to spot any unseen opportunities for improvement.) The spouse is also preparing to navigate their very first business move, a big milestone that brings its own excitement and challenges.

My second mentee is six weeks in and runs Whispering Woods Boutique, a delightful shop of handcrafted candles and cozy goods, each made to bring warmth and charm to your space. Like me, the spouse came into the program with prior business experience, which makes our conversations rich and collaborative. Goals include ensuring compliance, boosting social media engagement, and growing the customer base beyond family and close friends. We’ve explored underutilized tools, maximizing current connections within the military community, and worked on authentic content strategies. Recently, I tested the customer journey by making a purchase myself and sent feedback about what I thought was a hidden rewards program gem. Turns out, I’d completely missed the mention on the homepage. That moment reminded me that even mentors make mistakes, overlook details, and learn right alongside their mentees.

My third mentee is gearing up to begin in the new year, and I’m already excited to support that spouse’s 2026 goals.

Across the board, I’m seeing encouraging early wins. The first mentee is rolling out a fresh pricing structure and policy for 2026. The second has noticed a real uptick in social media interactions simply by including themselves in photos, proof that showing the face behind the brand builds connection. All three have been consistent and creative on social media, running giveaways and sales tied to the 12 Days of Christmas, which has sparked genuine engagement.

What strikes me most is how much this journey is a two-way street. These entrepreneurs trust me to guide them, put in tremendous effort, and stay determined even when life gets hectic. In return, they’ve taught me new perspectives, tools, and patience, especially when I’ve stumbled, misread something, or needed to correct my own feedback. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about showing up, learning together, and moving forward.

These two incredible spouses are still squarely in the middle of their 13-week Homefront Hustle mentorship journeys, yet they’re already proving what’s possible with steady action and support. If you’re a military spouse dreaming of a business that travels with you, let’s connect. I’d love to help make your 2026 goals shine through Homefront Hustle.

Originally published on LinkedIn on December 22, 2025. [Read it here]